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Beer 101 – An Excuse to Escape to the Oregon Coast

The Oregon’s North Coast wants to encourage us beer lovers to come visit the coast this month. To entice us, they have put together some beer-themed weekends this October. As if you really need an excuse to escape to the Oregon coast for a weekend, right? Dare I say, the trip is its own reward regardless of beer. But if you do find yourself in need of motivation, the Beer 101 program invites you to visit breweries, learn about beer and Oregon beer history, meet brewers, chow-down at beer dinners, and take advantage of special deals on lodging.

Like everywhere else in the Northwest, the beer and brewing scene is blossoming on Oregon’s north coast. There are breweries waiting for you in Cannon Beach, Seaside, and Astoria. So if you are considering a getaway weekend this month, consider heading to Oregon’s North Coast. More details below.

HEAD BACK TO BREW-NIVERSITY THIS FALL FOR OREGON’S NORTH COAST BEER 101 WEEKENDS

WHAT: As its number of breweries continues to grow, Oregon’s North Coast is gearing up to become one of the Northwest’s next great beer destinations. The communities of Astoria-Warrenton, Seaside and Cannon Beach invite beer enthusiasts to join the fun this fall with two weekends of sudsy events. Taste the Beer 101 brew crafted for the occasion by Astoria Brewing Company, Fort George Brewery, Seaside Brewing Company and Bill’s Tavern & Brewhouse. Meet the brewers and beer icons, learn about Oregon’s brewing history, enjoy beer dinners and get great deals on lodging.

The Alchemy of Glassware and Tasting with Lisa Morrison, The Beer Goddess

Saturday, Oct. 19, 3:00 p.m. at Fort George in Astoria. Forget size. Shape matters. And not all beer glasses are created equal − nor are they “one shape fits all.” Find out from Lisa “Beer Goddess” Morrison why glassware is an important component and how aroma plays a key role in how your beer tastes. Morrison, owner of Belmont Station Beer Store & Cafe, hosts Beer O’Clock Radio across Oregon on the Radio Northwest Network and is the author of Craft Beers of the Pacific Northwest. Cost: Free. Limited to 30 participants. Sign up at the counter in the pub.

Behind-the-Scenes and Tasting at U Street Pub & Eatery

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19-20 and 26-27, 2-3 p.m. and 3-4 p.m. at U Street Pub & Eatery in Seaside. Join owner Teri Carpenter for an educational talk about U Street’s intricate “MacGyver style” operational system, and an exploration of proper pouring techniques and equipment. Did you know that a stout is poured differently than an IPA or Lager? This session is perfect for home brewers and curious entertainers. Cost: Free.

Oregon Beer Through the Ages with John Foyston, The Oregonian

Friday, Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m. at Astoria’s Wet Dog Café.

Educational talk and tasting about the history of brewing in Oregon with The Oregonian’s “The Beer Here” columnist John Foyston, who will share insights gained from covering the local beer industry since its early years. Cost: Free. Limited to 24 participants. Food and beer can be ordered from the menu during the session.

Brewers Dinner at Seaside Brewing Company with John Foyston

Saturday, Oct. 26, 6 p.m. at Seaside Brewing.

This four-course, five-beer dinner features brews from Seaside Brewing, Bill’s Tavern, Fort George and Astoria Brewing. John Foyston will comment on the beers and how they pair best with food. Cost: $50 per ticket. Limited to 30 participants

BEER TOURS: Transportation is offered for one of two 4.5-hour tasting tour routes Oct.19, 20, 26 and 27. Tickets cost $55 and must be purchased in advance; limited to 25 participants. Get details at http://visittheoregoncoast.com/north.

Cannery Pier Hotel Astoria Beer 101 Package
Overnight stay in a riverfront deluxe king or double queen, two Fort George glasses, beer tasting tray onsite at Fort George and transportation in the hotel’s vintage cars; double occupancy; $219 per night; available Friday-Saturday, Oct. 18-19 and 25-26; call (503) 325-4996 for more info and to reserve.

Beer 101 packages must be mentioned at time of booking. Photo ID is required at check in. Registered guests must be 21 years of age or older. No further discounts apply. Based upon availability at time of booking.

CONTEST

Four brewers from Oregon’s North Coast have concocted a special recipe for a collaborative brew commemorating the Beer 101 weekends. Brewers from Astoria Brewing, Fort George, Seaside Brewing and Bill’s Tavern developed one recipe for the same brew. The yet-to-be-named collaboration beer will be available for tasting at the following North Coast restaurants and brew pubs, and people will have the chance to name this special brew. Come up with the most creative name and you’ll win one of three weekend getaways to Astoria/Warrenton, Seaside and Cannon Beach.

Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate..